…As Police Reaffirm Commitment to Mop Up Illegal Weapons
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit arms across the country.
This assurance was made during a high-level engagement with a delegation from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, 7th August 2025.
According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the visiting delegation was led by Dr. Adedeji Ebo and included Mr. Anselme Yabouri, Director of UNREC; Miss Grub Nolwenn of UNREC; AIG Thomas Nebhon; and Lt. Col. O.N. Okon from NCCSALW.
The meeting also had in attendance members of the Force Management Team, including all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Force Secretary.
The engagement focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and developing coordinated strategies to reduce the influx and circulation of small arms and light weapons within Nigeria. The UN delegation commended the Nigeria Police for its ongoing efforts in recovering illegal arms and maintaining public safety, especially in conflict-prone regions.
Dr. Ebo highlighted the need for improved intelligence-sharing, robust tracking mechanisms, and sustainable disarmament programmes. He also stressed the importance of joint initiatives to mitigate the risks posed by illegal weapons to Nigeria’s internal security and stability.
In his remarks, the IGP thanked the UN and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their continued support. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force has already made significant strides, having recovered thousands of illegal firearms and ammunition in recent operations.
“The proliferation of illicit arms remains a critical threat to national security,” IGP Egbetokun said. “We will continue to intensify efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals and networks responsible for arms trafficking in Nigeria. This partnership with UNREC and NCCSALW is a strategic step towards strengthening our capabilities and achieving lasting peace.”
The IGP further assured that the Nigeria Police under his leadership would remain proactive, leveraging local and international partnerships to disrupt criminal syndicates and sustain national disarmament efforts.
The visit marked a significant boost to Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against illicit arms, setting the stage for more coordinated security operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property nationwide.